IC Disease

An early Happy New Year to all of you IC Disease readers out there!  We are having company this evening and I will not have a chance to later as I usually do so this will be the last post of the year!  Wow - I can’t believe another year is over.  Where does the time go? 

I’m not much of one for making resolutions but I always pray that the new year will bring me better health and a better outlook on living with chronic illness.  I believe that no matter how well adapted we are and adjusted we are to having chronic illnesses there are always areas where improvement can be made. 

So everyone enjoy your New Year’s Eve, don’t drink too much, don’t eat too much and remember to get plenty of rest tomorrow! 

UroToday.com reported with an article titled Nonbladder Syndromes Often Precede Onset of PBS some interesting discoveries surrounding Interstitial Cystitis, also referred to sometimes as Painful Bladder Syndrome. 

Dr. John Warren and his colleagues studied more than 300 cases of IC Disease/Painful Bladder Syndrome to see if they could determine if specific syndromes occur before a diagnosis of Interstitial Cystitis.  Here is what Warren and colleagues study revealed:

• The 313 cases studied were matched to 313 controls by sex, age, region, and index date-interview info.
• Diabetes (treated with oral medicine) was the only syndrome diagnosed in significantly fewer cases than in controls.
• “No significant differences were found between cases and controls in 12 diseases diagnosed by physicians: hypothyroidism, mitral valve prolapse, shingles, cancer, inflammatory bowel disease, insulin-treated diabetes, hyperthyroidism, Lyme disease, multiple chemical hypersensitivity, or systemic lupus erythematosis. Antecedent syndromes significantly more prevalent in the cases by physician diagnosis were: fibromyalgia, irritable bowel syndrome, migraine, panic disorder, endometriosis, asthma, and depression. Allergy was more common by self-report. Vulvadynia and sicca syndrome symptoms were more common in the BPS population as well.”
•  Vulvodynia was only found in 2% - 8% of subjects.  These statistics led Warren to believe that Vulvodynia is an infrequent antecedent predictor of IC Disease; however, it is considered a common referred pain from the illness.
• ME/CFS, Fibromyalgia and IBS were associated with each other by “pairwise and factor analyses using numerous assumptions”.

 Warren concludes that IC Disease/PBS manifests from a systemic syndrome. 

Research was conducted (you can view the entire report HERE) to determine whether cranberry or trimethoprim should be used for the prevention of recurrent urinary tract infections. The research consisted of a randomized controlled trial in older women.

During the trial, almost 140 women with two or more antibiotic-treated UTIs in the previous year were randomized to receive either 500 mg of cranberry extract or 100 mg of trimethoprim for 6 months.  Here were the results:

• 28% had an antibiotic-treated UTI (25 in the cranberry group and 14 in the trimethoprim group)
• “Trimethoprim had a very limited advantage over cranberry extract in the prevention of recurrent UTIs in older women and had more adverse effects.”

The research findings suggest that older women with recurrent urinary tract infections will be able to discuss with their doctors a cheaper, natural product like cranberry extract for UTI treatment over a medication like trimethoprim, which the body can become resistant to.

As an incontinence sufferer myself, I have probably heard all of the myths and “wive tales” surrounding the condition and admit that  I have probably believed a few of these myself.  Here are the five most common myths surrounding incontinence.  After reading these myths, see if you have found yourself believing them also. 

Myth 1:  Incontinence is a normal part of aging. 

Incontinence is commonly found in older people but it is not a “normal” part of aging.  You will not develop incontinence just because you have gotten older.  Incontinence is caused by damage or disease.  There are almost 36 million Americans over the age of 65 and only one in five suffers from incontinence.

Myth 2: Incontinence is an incurable disease.

Incontinence is not considered a disease but a symptom of other health issues. The good news is incontinence is highly treatable. A patient has a greater probability of improvement if he or she sees a doctor when the problem starts and doesn’t let it go.

Myth 3: Staying healthy and active will prevent incontinence.

While a balanced diet and exercise are important to overall health and longevity, it’s no guarantee against the occurrence of bladder leakage. The factors that contribute to incontinence include obesity, pregnancy/delivery complications, smoking, pelvic surgery, bladder infections, certain prescription medications.

Myth 4: Everyone will be able to tell that I suffer from incontinence.

This was my main fear when I first wore Depends. I thought for sure everyone would know that I was wearing them because I thought they would show through my pants. But I was so wrong. You can’t tell because of the way the undergarments are made and I feel so much less stress and anxiety because I am always protected, especially now that I’m working. Today, disposable undergarments are made thinner, but provide greater absorbency so you don’t have to fear leakages.

Myth 5: Surgery is the only option for treating incontinence.

Thanks to advancements in medicine, there are some great prescription drugs that can help treat incontinence and are much less invasive than surgery. While there are some patients who only respond to surgery, it is usually used as a last resort of treatment. Exercises such as Kegel are also used to treat incontinence.

Fighting Fatigue CFS & Fibromyalgia Blog Carnival #5

View and read the fifth monthly installment from the Fighting Fatigue CFS & Fibromyalgia Blog Carnival. Enjoy reading a health point of view by others.

Gulf War Syndrome Determined to Be Real Illness

While Gulf War Syndrome patients have known this all along, recent research has proven that Gulf War Syndrome is indeed a real illness, not post-traumatic stress disorder or other stress disorders as once believed. This post talks about what caused one out of four Gulf War veterans to become afflicted with the illness.

Christmas Reflection

This post was basically me having my own little pity party for myself and explaining why the holidays can be a depressing time for the chronically ill.

ME/CFS, Fibromyalgia and IBS Around the Web

The latest news reported on the internet for Fibromyalgia, Chronic Fatigue Syndrome and Irritable Bowel Syndrome.

Merry Christmas to everyone and your families.  May your day be filled with health, happiness, joy and hope for the new year to come.  While Christmas is a busy time and we spend much of it shopping and focusing on presents, let’s not forget the real reason for the season.  This is the day to celebrate the birth of Jesus and the miracle of his being. 

We spent last night at our church’s annual Christmas Eve candlelight service and I always tear up during the service when I realize what a miracle the birth of Jesus was.  Enjoy the video above of Celine Dion singing the most beautiful Christmas song ever written - Oh Holy Night.  Blessings to you all! 

Ever since I first became ill several years ago, it has been a passion of mine to share with others what a day in the life of IC Disease, Fibromyalgia and Chronic Fatigue Syndrome is like.  But there are times when I feel as though by explaining what I’m going through I have to defend myself - and we shouldn’t have to defend how we feel to anyone.  I think that I have dealt with my illnesses rather well, but there are days when I just want to be normal.  I want to be able to go to work and not fear that I’m going to urinate myself or have a major flare because I have to try and hold my weak bladder longer than necessary.  I would love to be able to volunteer to do extra work and to be able to help out people more, especially my family, because my body will give out if I give into my heart. 

I don’t want to have to think and feel that I have to justify the looks I get when I have to park in the handicapped parking spaces at the store because my back is in knots, my Fibro pain is too bad, or my CFS is flaring and I don’t have the energy to walk, or my IC is so bad I can’t take the pressure in my pelvic region. 

Typically this time of year I feel a little down sometimes because with all of the hustle and bustle of Christmas I fully realize how limited I am with activities.  I just try to keep my spirits lifted by remembering what I can do.  Okay - enough whining for one day! 

I LOVE this song, Where Are You Christmas, by Faith Hill and I wanted to share the video.  Have a very Merry Christmas everyone! 

Above is a great and detailed video that explains female incontinence and pelvic floor disorders. The doctor featured in the video specializes in pelvic floor disorders. I felt prone to post something on incontinence because of something that happened to me at work yesterday.

It was extremely busy at work and I was there a little over two hours and I needed to go to the bathroom. I asked the boss if I could take my break so I could use the restroom (I made it known that I needed to go pretty badly) and I was told that I would have to wait five more minutes until the next person came in to work. I was okay with that because I knew I could wait five more minutes and I did wear Depends. Fifteen minutes later, I still was not sent for my restroom break and people were purchasing all kinds of items that really affect me and cause me to sneeze (the smells of the items). Whenever I sneezed, I urinated myself some and I was getting frantic. Even though I had the Depends on, I always have this fear of leakage and the smell.

We were still extremely busy but I knew I needed to get to the restroom ASAP. I once again asked if I could go and I was told that I could not go until she was able to get over to my register and take over for me. I finally was able to go but what a worry. I am really starting to rethink my getting a job. The next time this happens, I am just leaving the register. I’ll have to take the chance of getting into trouble.

Watch the video and let me know what you think! It includes lots of great information.

Welcome to the December 22, 2008 edition of the IC Disease Health Blog Carnival #7.

Rickey Henderson presents How I Learned to Stop Worrying and Read the Prescription Label posted at Riding with Rickey.

Sarah Scrafford presents 100 Natural Ways to Overcome Anxiety posted at U.S. PharmD.

Erika Collin presents 100 Ways to Reduce Your Risk of Every Disease posted at U.S. PharmD.

Sarah Scrafford presents 100 Terrific Mindhacks to Make the Most of Your Brain posted at Find Schools Online.com.

Fiona King presents Coping With Crohn?s Disease: 100 Helpful Resources and Communities posted at Nursing Assistant Central.

chronic illness

pnreddy presents Efficient Ways To Get Better Sleep At Nights With Fibromyalgia! posted at Health Watch Center.

pnreddy presents Facts About Stopping Sciatic Pain posted at Health Watch Center.

chronic pain

Edwin Casimero presents My quest to cure my cook’s gout pain posted at My Family Health Blog.

Edwin Casimero presents Follow up on my cook’s gout pain posted at My Family Health Blog.

Dust-Mites.org presents Dust Mites - What is Hay Fever? posted at Dust Mites, saying, “Many people suffer from hay fever (an estimated 25 million Americans), a seasonal allergy that affects the mucous membranes of the nose and eyes.”

disease

Walter presents Potential Location of Autism Genes Identified posted at Highlight HEALTH, saying, “Last month at the 58th Annual Meeting of the American Society of Human Genetics in Philadelphia, researchers reported the results of two genome-wide genetic analyses, identifying five significant loci that contribute to autism susceptibility, three of which have not been reported previously, as well as a novel association of genetic variation on chromosome 5 with autism.”

Walter presents Potential Location of Autism Genes Identified posted at Highlight HEALTH, saying, “I submitted this post last week and realized this morning it was in the wrong category. This is the correct URL: http://www.highlighthealth.com/diseases-and-conditions/potential-location-of-autism-genes-identified/ Description: Last month at the 58th Annual Meeting of the American Society of Human Genetics in Philadelphia, researchers reported the results of two genome-wide genetic analyses, identifying five significant loci that contribute to autism susceptibility, three of which have not been reported previously, as well as a novel association of genetic variation on chromosome 5 with autism.”

fitness

pnreddy presents Summer Fitness Tips For Teens That Can Be Fun posted at Fitness Health Zone.com.

pnreddy presents How To Integrate Fitness In Your Life The Easy Way? posted at Fitness Health Zone.com.

Heather Johnson presents What to Do When Your Spouse Gains Weight: 100 Tips and Resources posted at Nerds Do It Better.

Health

Erika Collin presents 50 Awesome Video Games for Physical Therapy and Rehab posted at U.S. PharmD.

MCA presents Health Effects Of Caffeine posted at Caffeine Addiction, saying, “The health effects of drinking too much caffeine.”

Matthew presents Advance Medical Directives posted at Fast Medical Information, saying, “Advance directives refers to specific treatment preferences of a patient and also the designation of a decision-maker if the patient themselves is unable to make their own decisions. This includes a living will, the power of attorney and health care proxy.”

Cory Albertson presents An Oldie but a Goodie posted at Eating Healthy, saying, “One of the easiest and cheapest (hey�� who isn��t looking for ��cheap�� ways to stay in shape nowadays!) fitness methods is the good ol�� pushup.”

Atif Farid presents Is your child anemic? posted at dratiffarid.

ICIM Medics presents How do I take care of my Liver over Christmas? posted at Health Questions, saying, “Q : What supplements can I take to help support my liver over the nest few weeks? A : To help your body get through the season from your first Christmas party to your last New Year’s celebration, keep the following tips in mind!”

Aparna presents Energy saving fluorescent bulbs may cause skin rashes posted at Beauty and Personality Grooming, saying, “In a bid to save energy and do our bit to the environment, most of us have installed those slightly expensive, energy-saving, eco-friendly fluorescent light bulbs in our homes. But it looks like these bulbs are not as picture perfect as previously thought. A recent study has found that some of these energy-saving fluorescent bulbs (particularly those ‘open’ light bulbs, which are not surrounded by a glass case.) can cause reddening of the skin if used close to the body and for longer periods of time.”

Woman Tribune presents Moderate Alcohol Intake Associated with Higher Levels of Omega-3 Fatty Acids posted at Woman Tribune.

GrrlScientist presents Why Do We Yawn? posted at Living the Scientific Life, saying, “Even though yawning is a very common behavior among all vertebrates, the physiological and evolutionary reasons for yawning behavior are poorly understood. [excessive yawning has medical implications]”.

Isaac Yassar presents You Are Your Habits posted at Isaac Yassar .com.

mental health

pnreddy presents How To Deal With Anxiety Disorders In Children? posted at Self Help Zone.

pnreddy presents Essential Strategies To Mould Yourself Into A Mentally Strong Person! posted at Self Help Zone.

Cory presents Caffeine: Sources and Effects posted at Eating Healthy, saying, “Caffeine can have a lot of effects on your body if you consume it constantly in large doses.”

Matthew presents Allergies posted at Fast Medical Information, saying, “An allergy is a reaction which is exaggerated in our immune system in response to a foreign substance, these are harmless and would not usually trigger a response in non-allergic people. The substances that produce allergy are known as allergens, and these could be dust mites, mold, danders, foods or pollen.”

ICIM Medics presents Can Any Alternative Remedy Help Conquer Fears? posted at Health Questions, saying, “: I was in a car crash recently and am now frightened of driving and am even sleep-walking. Is there anything I can take to help? A : In this case the condition you are suffering from is known as a phobia. Homoeopathic remedies that help with shock and / or fright induced phobias, such as yours generally include: Opium 200C which is good for sleeping difficulties, reoccurring dreams and thoughts of the event and also sleep walking….”

That concludes this edition. Submit your blog article to the next edition of the IC Disease Heatlh Blog Carnival using our carnival submission form. Past posts and future hosts can be found on our blog carnival index page.